Abstract
Critical Issues in Policing: Police Use of Force represents a curriculum plan and resources for the development of a pertinent course for universities and colleges conferring four year degrees in criminal justice. As an in-depth treatment of a critical issue, the course is appropriate to upper division assignment with commensurate work product demands of the students. It is designed to offer maximum flexibility in delivery method and semester length, and focuses primarily on content. It could also serve as a plan for directing students engaged in an independent study of the topic. Police use of force continues to be a controversial and defining issue in the relationship between law enforcement and a free society. As a study, it is multi-faceted, involving academic, legal, and vocational issues; and as such, it is appropriate to an in-depth study. The organization of the topic and its presentation in this format are the creation of the author. Much of the quoted reference material and suggested readings have influenced the author in selecting this particular organization.